14/05/2026
MWTI Hosts Primary School Maritime Safety Awareness Program
The Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), through its Maritime Division, successfully held the Primary School Maritime Safety Awareness Program today at the TATTE Conference Centre. Ten primary schools from the town area were invited, with seven schools participating. The program was conducted under the theme: “Your Safety at Sea is in Your Own Hands.”
The event opened with a prayer led by Pastor Papalii Taligatuli Moala, Principal Shipping Officer of the Maritime Division, followed by welcoming remarks from Mrs. Makerita Atonio-Iese, ACEO of the Maritime Division, MWTI. Mr. Arthur Jobard, Chief Technical Adviser of Maritime NZ, delivered the second address on behalf of New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Maritime NZ Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP).
MWTI expressed its sincere appreciation to NZ MFAT for funding the PMSP through Maritime New Zealand, acknowledging their ongoing support and commitment to strengthening maritime safety awareness and capacity building in Samoa. This valued partnership was highlighted as a key contributor to the success of the program and a reflection of the shared goal of promoting safer communities at sea.
Competitions and Highlights
The awareness program featured two main competition categories:
• Poetry Competition – focusing on the importance of saving lives at sea and encouraging safe practices on the water.
• Art Competition – designing a logo that symbolizes maritime safety in Samoa.
Out of the ten schools invited, seven schools participated. Marist Brothers’ School won the Poetry Competition, while St. Mary’s Primary School took first place in the Art Competition.
Gifts and Recognition
As a token of appreciation, all participating students received gifts including bag cloths with printed logos, water bottles, scientific calculators, mini dictionaries, waterproof cell phone covers, umbrellas, and life jackets. Each participating school was also awarded a $300 voucher. Teachers and one parent representative from each school received appreciation gifts as well.
Closing
The program concluded with final remarks from Mrs. Makerita Atonio-Iese, followed by a fellowship lunch prepared by the hosting team.
MWTI, together with its Maritime Division, extends heartfelt gratitude to all schools, teachers, students, parents, partners, and guests whose contributions ensured the success of this important awareness initiative.